The temperature is heating up, the sun is shining longer, and the BBQ grills are coming out of storage. Summer is finally here and it’s officially grilling season. The grill is one of the best tools for preparing summer dishes since it’s easy to use and cook meals in a flash, plus who doesn’t love a good cookout? Much of summer entertaining revolves around the grill.

Our Libby’s® team chatted with our partner, Haylie Duff about what summer entertaining means to her and discussed her favorite side dishes for complementing grilled entrees. And, oh yes, we were all craving BBQ after this conversation.

Check out the below discussion for delicious summer side dish inspiration using Libby’s® Vegetable Pouches, which help to create quick and nutritious side dishes for the entire family to enjoy!

Hi Haylie, we’re so excited to partner with you again this year and see what delicious recipes you’ll create using Libby’s® Vegetable Pouches this summer. I’m excited to partner with Libby’s again and to share a new recipe I created with summer entertaining in mind.

Awesome, summer is (finally) here and it’s officially grilling season. Sure, we all love a good BBQ but a cookout is not complete without delicious sides. What’s a quick delicious side dish you love to cook that pair well with BBQ?My favorite time of year! I love making a Southwest succotash or a super decadent corn pudding using Libby’s® Sweet Corn Pouches! I love anything that cools me down!

What are your favorite BBQ dishes to serve that pair well with the sides listed above? I haven’t met a BBQ dish that I didn’t like... I live for ribs or a great steak. I tend to take after my Dad and favor dry rubs (Texas style!) instead of sauces.

Yum! Veggies are key to ensuring kids have a nutritious, balanced diet – but it can be tricky to get the them to eat them, especially when there’s hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream available. What are some tricks to sneak in vegetables during the summer?My daughter loves veggies, so I don’t have to hide them very often!! But one of my favorite ways to sneak them in is with mac ‘n’ cheese balls! You simply add Libby’s® Sweet Peas or Libby’s® Sliced Carrots Pouches in to the mac ‘n’ cheese before you roll it in to a ball.

With the kids, officially on summer break, summer days can be quite hectic. And, the last thing you want to do is spend hours preparing dinner when it’s beautiful outside. Do you have any tips on meal prepping in advance, so that you can get back to spending time with loved ones?I’m always a fan of slow cookers... it’s next to impossible to mess up a tenderloin. Then I love warming tortillas on the grill with a pan of veggies, like Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables Pouches! Top it with some salsa and I’m a happy girl.

Or a quick simple recipe using Libby’s® Vegetable Pouches, which microwave in less than 60 seconds, meaning no pots, heating containers or lengthy prep time needed.

Are there any summer recipes that simply reminds you of spending time with family and friends around the table?Steaks & kabobs tend to remind me of my family. My dad makes the world’s greatest steak and every kind of kabob you can think of! I really love a grilled salmon kabob with some fresh dill and lemon.

Do you have any failsafe tips for hosting a stress-free summer BBQ?Yes! Leave the stress behind!! I really believe that your vibe sets the mood! Pick recipes that don’t stress you out. Things you have made before....

Editor’s note: Haylie created a special side dish recipe just for Libby’s® consumers – Baked Corn Pudding!Check it out!